Halak to start vs. Panthers; Kostitsyn out

Jaroslav Halak will make his second start of the season on Monday night when the Florida Panthers visit the Bell Centre.

Andrei Kostitsyn was not on the ice Sunday morning after leaving Saturday’s game as the result of a hit to the head. Guy Carbonneau said Kostitsyn felt much better and is not experiencing lingering headaches.

Kostitsyn may skate on Monday but will not play against Florida. Canadiens are then idle until Saturday, when AK46 may return against the visiting Anaheim Ducks.

Christopher Higgins could make his debut on Monday, but that has not been confirmed.Higgins would play with Robert Lang and Tom Kostopoulos, while Sergei Kostitsyn takes his brother’s place with Tomas Plekanec and AlexKovalev.

Francis Bouillon has been given the green light by doctors, but there was no word on if he would be in the lineup on Monday.